Introduction: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians Timeline

Cricket fans across the world revere rivalries that define eras, shape legacies, and fuel passionate debates well beyond the boundary rope. One such compelling matchup in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the series of encounters between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Mumbai Indians (MI). Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, these two franchises have met frequently in high‑stakes games, showcasing thrilling battles of bowling and batting prowess, momentum swings, strategic planning, and individual brilliance.

Across nearly two decades of competition, MI has maintained a clear upper hand in head‑to‑head results, but KKR has delivered some of the most memorable upsets, including key wins in recent seasons. This article captures the full timeline of KKR vs MI encounters, outlines legendary moments, breaks down statistics, highlights venue influences, and provides deep insights into why this rivalry remains one of the most talked about in T20 cricket history.

The Genesis of a High‑Profile Contest

When the IPL kicked off in 2008, it instantly captured global attention through its fusion of star talent, franchise loyalty, entertainment value, and competitive cricket. Two teams that stood out from the beginning were the Kolkata Knight Riders, backed by Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan and co‑owners, and the Mumbai Indians, backed by India’s biggest conglomerate with a vision for sustained success.

While early seasons saw MI imposing dominance in head‑to‑head games, KKR gradually grew stronger through smart drafting, strategic leadership, and clutch performances by game‑changers like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir and later Shreyas Iyer.

Over time, MI’s consistency, experience, and strategic depth made them perennial challengers and frequent IPL champions, while KKR carved a reputation for unpredictability and occasional brilliance. Today, matchups between these two franchises are eagerly anticipated by fans, pundits, and cricket statisticians alike.

Overall Head‑to‑Head Record (2008–2025)

Across all IPL seasons from 2008 through 2025, KKR and MI have clashed in 35 official matches. The head‑to‑head ledger statistically tilts in favour of Mumbai Indians, but recent seasons have shown a tangible shift in competitive balance.

Team	Matches Played	MI Wins	KKR Wins	No Result
Overall H2H	35	24	11	0

From this data, it is clear that while MI has won more than two‑thirds of the encounters, KKR have occasionally upset the balance, particularly in recent IPL seasons where both teams have been at peak competitive strength.

Detailed Timeline of KKR vs MI Matches

Below is the comprehensive timeline of IPL matches between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians from the very first encounter in 2008 to the 2025 season. This timeline includes match dates, results, margin of victory, and notable venues.

KKR vs MI IPL Match Timeline

Season	Date	Winner	Result Margin	Venue
2008	29‑Apr	MI	Won by 7 wickets	Kolkata
	16‑May	MI	Won by 8 wickets	Mumbai
2009	26‑Apr	MI	Won by 92 runs	South Africa
	30‑Apr	MI	Won by 9 runs	South Africa
2010	18‑Apr	KKR	Won by 9 wickets	Kolkata
	21‑Apr	MI	Won by 7 wickets	Mumbai
2011	21‑May	MI	Won by 5 wickets	Kolkata
	24‑May	MI	Won by 4 wickets	Mumbai
2012	11‑May	MI	Won by 27 runs	Kolkata
	15‑May	KKR	Won by 32 runs	Mumbai
2013	24‑Apr	MI	Won by 5 wickets	Kolkata
	07‑May	MI	Won by 65 runs	Mumbai
2014	14‑May	KKR	Won by 6 wickets	Cuttack
	16‑May	KKR	Won by 41 runs	Abu Dhabi
2015	08‑Apr	KKR	Won by 7 wickets	Kolkata
	14‑May	MI	Won by 5 runs	Mumbai
2016	13‑Apr	MI	Won by 6 wickets	Kolkata
	28‑Apr	MI	Won by 6 wickets	Mumbai
2017	09‑Apr	MI	Won by 4 wickets	Mumbai
	13‑May	MI	Won by 9 runs	Kolkata
	19‑May	MI	Won by 7 wickets	Bengaluru
2018	06‑May	MI	Won by 13 runs	Mumbai
	09‑May	MI	Won by 102 runs	Kolkata
2019	28‑Apr	KKR	Won by 34 runs	Kolkata
	05‑May	MI	Won by 9 wickets	Mumbai
2020	23‑Sep	MI	Won by 49 runs	Abu Dhabi
	16‑Oct	MI	Won by 8 wickets	Abu Dhabi
2021	13‑Apr	MI	Won by 10 runs	Chennai
	23‑Sep	KKR	Won by 7 wickets	Abu Dhabi
2022	06‑Apr	KKR	Won by 5 wickets	Pune
	09‑May	KKR	Won by 52 runs	Mumbai
2023	16‑Apr	MI	Won by 5 wickets	Mumbai
2024	03‑May	KKR	Won by 24 runs	Mumbai
	11‑May	KKR	Won by 18 runs	Kolkata
2025	31‑Mar	MI	Won by 8 wickets	Mumbai

This timeline clearly shows that while Mumbai Indians dominated the early years, KKR’s victories have clustered in mid and recent seasons such as 2014‑15, 2021‑22, and particularly 2024 where KKR earned back‑to‑back wins.

Understanding the Numbers – Statistical Breakdown

Why MI Dominated Historically

• MI’s consistent strength in pace bowling, particularly in early seasons, often troubled KKR’s batting lineup.
• MI’s depth in power hitters and finishing specialists allowed them to chase challenging totals with relative ease.
• The franchises’ strategic recruitment and execution under strong captains contributed to consistent wins.

Across venues like Wankhede Stadium and neutral grounds, MI has maintained a dominant record against KKR. In Mumbai, MI have won most of their head‑to‑head matches, whereas KKR have struggled to repeat successes at Wankhede.

Where KKR Have Excelled

• KKR have been particularly strong in home conditions at Eden Gardens, where familiar pitch conditions and supportive crowds leveled the playing field.
• Key seasons like 2014, 2022, and 2024 saw KKR field exceptional bowling performances and clutch batting to secure wins.
• KKR’s tactical superiority in certain seasons allowed them to capture momentum and inflict tight defeats on MI.

Notable Head‑to‑Head Facts

• Total head‑to‑head matches: 35
• MI victories: 24
• KKR victories: 11
• No tied/no result matches: 0
• KKR’s highest margin victories have come in seasons where their bowling fired, such as 52‑run wins in 2022.

Key Phases of the Rivalry

Early Years (2008–2012)

When the IPL began, MI’s consistency quickly made them a dominant force. While KKR showed promise, MI’s strong batting units and disciplined bowling allowed them to claim most of the early encounters. MI’s early head‑to‑head superiority was clear: they built confidence early, performed well under pressure, and often came out on top in tight matches.

KKR’s Breakthrough Phase (2013–2015)

KKR’s performance peaked in the mid‑2010s as they began to assert themselves, particularly under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir. During the 2014 and 2015 seasons, KKR secured notable wins over MI. These victories showcased their improving balance, where explosive batting from players like Andre Russell and disciplined bowling tactics combined to challenge MI’s otherwise steady superiority.

MI Reasserts Dominance (2016–2019)

Following KKR’s mid‑season successes, MI regained control with their depth and adaptability. A series of victories from 2016 to 2019 saw MI consistently outplay KKR, whether batting first or chasing. With roster staples like Rohit Sharma leading the batting order and seasoned bowlers delivering in key moments, MI-style cricket dominated many head‑to‑head matchups.

The Recent Competitive Era (2020–2025)

In recent seasons, the rivalry has acquired a more competitive balance. KKR posted multiple wins in 2021, 2022, and especially 2024 where they defeated MI twice — both away and at home — signaling a possible shift in dynamics. MI continued to show strength in 2025, securing an early season win, but KKR have increasingly proved themselves capable of defeating MI consistently when their key players perform.

Legendary Venues & Their Role

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Wankhede has traditionally favoured MI due to familiarity with home conditions, explosive batting-friendly pitches, and crowd support. MI have won the vast majority of matchups at this venue.

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

At Eden Gardens, KKR have been more competitive. Neutral pressure, strong local support, and conditions that help spinners have helped KKR make the venue a fortress in certain seasons.

Neutral Venues (Bio‑Bubble Era)

Matches played in stadiums like Abu Dhabi and Pune during the IPL’s bio‑bubble seasons reduced home advantage, allowing both teams to adjust strategies and play under unfamiliar conditions. This led to closer contests and unpredictable outcomes.

Memorable Individual Performances

• Shreyas Iyer (KKR): A key figure in KKR’s middle order, capable of anchoring innings and accelerating as needed. His leadership and batting power were pivotal in several head‑to‑head wins.
• Andre Russell (KKR): One of KKR’s most feared finishers, Russell’s explosive hitting and useful bowling made crucial impacts in tight games.
• Rohit Sharma (MI): The long‑time MI captain and consistent top‑order batter, Rohit often led the charge on big stages.
• Suryakumar Yadav & Ishan Kishan (MI): Dynamic batting in recent seasons added extra firepower to MI’s lineup, especially in high‑scoring chases.

These individual performances have shaped the narrative of head‑to-head encounters and amplified the excitement of KKR vs MI clashes in the IPL.

FAQs – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians Timeline

1. Who has more head‑to‑head wins?

Mumbai Indians lead the head‑to‑head record with 24 wins, while Kolkata Knight Riders have 11 victories in IPL matchups up until 2025.

2. When did KKR secure their biggest wins against MI?

KKR’s biggest wins in terms of margin came in 2022, with victories such as a 52‑run margin and significant chase successes. They also won both matches in 2024 convincingly.

3. Where have most MI vs KKR games been played?

Most matches have taken place in Mumbai (Wankhede Stadium) and Kolkata (Eden Gardens), both iconic venues in the IPL. MI have enjoyed stronger results at Wankhede, whereas KKR have leveraged Eden Gardens to produce key wins.

4. Have there been any ties or no results?

No head‑to‑head KKR vs MI match has ever ended in a tie or no result; all 35 have produced clear winners.

Conclusion: A Rivalry Shaped by Time, Talent & Drama

The KKR vs MI timeline exemplifies how rivalries evolve in cricket — starting with early dominance by one team, growing into closely contested battles, and eventually balancing into a rich competitive narrative.

While Mumbai Indians enjoyed sustained dominance for many years, Kolkata Knight Riders have increasingly challenged that hierarchy, especially in recent seasons. This dynamic mirrors the broader story of the IPL — where team identities evolve, strategies shift, and star performers emerge to rewrite history.

For fans, analysts, and future teams studying these matchups, the MI vs KKR rivalry serves as an enduring chapter in the IPL’s narrative — a story of resilience, tactical evolution, and unforgettable cricketing moments.